Food Glossary
Your definitive reference directory for culinary terms, global ingredients, food science, restaurant technology, and industry concepts. Filter alphabetically or search for terms below.
Featured & High-Volume Terms
Popular SearchesUmami
Umami is the savory, rich fifth basic taste triggered by glutamates and nucleotides in foods like aged cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms, and soy sauce.
Ube
Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines, prized for its vivid violet color and sweet, earthy flavor resembling vanilla and coconut.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is the purified sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that delivers pure umami flavor to savory dishes.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish of salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes, seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and ginger.
Clean Label
Clean label refers to food products formulated with simple, recognizable, natural ingredients without artificial additives.
Ghost Kitchen
A ghost kitchen (virtual kitchen) is a professional food preparation facility set up for delivery-only restaurant brands.
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